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Tinder's incoming CEO wants to rid the app of its hookup app reputation, but the app is testing a pretty superficial preference: height.

In recent days, users have started noticing a height "filter" in the app. Another dating app, Hinge, already had a height filter for premium users. Both Tinder and Hinge are owned by Match Group.

SEE ALSO: Best dating apps for singles who want something serious

Apparently, though, height is being tested as a paid preference, not a hard filter. The difference is that a preference doesn't block or exclude profiles outright for not fitting the requirements. It's more of a guide for the algorithm. The app is evolving its preference system, where free preferences help improve relevance while paid preferences like height offer greater control without completely cutting people off.

"We’re always listening to what matters most to our Tinder users — and testing the paid height preference is a great example of how we're building with urgency, clarity, and focus," a Tinder spokesperson told Mashable. "This is part of a broader effort to help people connect more intentionally on Tinder."

"Our new product principles guide every decision, and this one speaks directly to a few: prioritizing user outcomes, moving fast, and learning quickly. Not every test becomes a permanent feature, but every test helps us learn how we can deliver smarter, more relevant experiences and push the category forward," the spokesperson continued, referencing incoming CEO Spencer Rascoff's LinkedIn post about changes he wants to implement at Tinder. (Rascoff is already CEO of Match Group, and will lead both it and Tinder as of July.)

For years now, height has been an obsession on dating apps, at least for straight users. As Mashable's features editor Rachel Thompson wrote in 2017, "In the economy of heterosexual online dating, where thumbs wield the ultimate power over a person's love life, height appears to be an immensely valuable currency." Two years later, Tinder even teased "height verification" as an April Fool's Joke. Now,

The obsession hasn't been quenched, and already there's drama online about Tinder's height preference. While this is currently just a test, it won't be surprising if this becomes a permanent fixture on the app.

A judge queried lawyers during closing arguments on Friday about how A.I. should factor into his decision, which is expected by August.

SAVE $200: As of May 30, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (Intel Core 5 120U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is back down to $449, down from $649, at Best Buy. That's a 31% discount, matching its best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (Intel Core 5 120U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $449 at Best Buy
$649 Save $200 Get Deal

While regular laptops are certainly "better" on paper for PC gaming, Chromebooks are making big strides. Mashable's Alex Perry, a seasoned gamer who prefers consoles, gave the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (the "GE" stands for "gaming edition") a spin and was pleasantly surprised. He dubbed it "an incredible value" at only $649, adding that it's "much better for playing video games than a Chromebook ought to be."

As if $649 isn't already impressively cheap for a gaming laptop, Best Buy has it on sale for only $449 as of May 30. That's a 31% or $200 discount and matches its best price ever, which it reached just once before earlier this month.

SEE ALSO: The PlayStation 5 Pro just went on sale for its lowest price since launch

Let's talk specs. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE packs an Intel Core 5 120U processor, 8GB of memory, and 256GB of storage. Gamers may turn their noses up to those on instinct, but hear us out. You won't be using it like a traditional laptop and local gaming device that you install games on. Instead, it's designed for streaming games through cloud services like Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now. And for that, it's pretty impressive.

Though Perry said he probably wouldn't be swapping it for his gaming consoles or Steam Deck, he called it "an excellent game-streaming laptop," commending its long battery life, ample ports, comfortable RGB keyboard, powerful 120Hz refresh rate, and one of the best Chromebook screens he's seen. "If you want to cheat your way into sort of having a high-end gaming laptop, this is a way to do it," he wrote.

Is it a little clunky? Sure. We didn't say it's perfect, but it is one of our favorite budget laptops in 2025. Considering Chromebooks are usually known for their minimalism and are typically the go-to gadget for students and casual scrollers, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is somewhat of an anomaly. At a mere $449, we'll even go as far as to say it's a better value than a typical gaming laptop, as long as you don't mind game streaming.

The best laptop and tablet deals to shop this week

• Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2023 Model) — $229.99

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Android Tablet — $199.99 (List Price $269.99)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip — $891.50 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (2025, M4) — $1,075.00 (List Price $1199.00)

• Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024), Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, 13.8-inch — $1,289.99 (List Price $1599.99)

• Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 chip — $1,399.00 (List Price $1599.00)

SAVE 20%: As of May 30, you can get the Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant (71426) for $47.99, down from $59.99, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount and a $12 savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant (71426) $47.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12 Get Deal

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years of shopping for my nephews and my dad, it’s that Legos are expensive. Totally worth it, but expensive nonetheless. But every now and again, Amazon gifts us with a discount, and today’s Lego deal is a doozy for Nintendo fans.

As of May 30, you can get the Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant (71426) for $47.99, down from $59.99, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount and a $12 savings. It's also just $0.05 more than its lowest price ever, according to our trusty price checker, CamelCamelCamel.

This Lego set has 540 pieces and lets you build a collectible model of a Super Mario Piranha Plant. You’ll also get to build the brick-built pipe that the Piranha Plant sits in, and you can pose its head, mouth, stalk, and leaves to give it some extra personality. Once built, it stands 9 inches (23 cm) tall.

This little Piranha Plant would look great on a desk or bookshelf, and it makes a great gift for any adult Nintendo fan in your life. It also has more than 1,600 reviews and a 4.9-star rating, so you know it’s a good one.

“Such a hit, my BF and daughter argued over who got to put it together,” one reviewer writes.

The best tech deals to shop this week

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $899.99 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

SAVE $30: As of May 30, get the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar for $89.99, down from its usual price of $119.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 25%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar $89.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $30 Get Deal

A good soundbar can totally change the way you experience your favorite media. Whether you're adding one to a TV that has weak built-in audio or need a centerpiece for your home entertainment system, you can use a soundbar to create unique and powerful soundscapes. And the good news is that you don't have to spend as much as you paid for your TV to do it, especially with a deal that's available from Amazon right now.

As of May 30, get the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar for $89.99, down from its usual price of $119.99. That's $30 off and a discount of 25%.

You can pair this soundbar with just about any TV, and it'll add another dimension of audio to whatever it is that you're watching or playing. It has dual speakers that can create a 3D virtual surround sound effect thanks to its DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio support. Even though it's smaller and more compact than others in this price range, it can still bump.

It's simple to set up, with an HDMI cable that you can just plug in to get your audio up and running. This sound bar is just 24 inches long and 2.5 inches high, so it's an ideal fit for just about anywhere. And of course, if you have a Fire TV already, it can work with the remote you already have.

If you're ready to enhance your audio setup or replace what you've already got, this deal is well worth keeping an eye on. Grab it before it goes back up to its regular price.

SAVE $41.99: As of May 30, the Sony WF-C700N earbuds are discounted at Amazon to $78, 35% off their list price of $119.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WF-C700N Truly Wireless Noise Canceling in-Ear Bluetooth Earbud Headphones $78 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $41.99 Get Deal

Summer is fast approaching, and if you're making travel plans for the months ahead, it's important to have a solid pair of earbuds to keep you occupied on long journeys. Thankfully, there are plenty of great deals available at the moment. This includes a very nice discount on Sony's WF-C700N earbuds at Amazon.

The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are now 35% off at the retailer, dropping their price from $119.99 to $78. This also marks a return to their lowest-ever price, so there's no better time than now to scoop them up. Keep in mind that this is listed as a limited-time deal as well, so you'll want to be quick to take advantage of these savings.

SEE ALSO: Sony's new flagship XM6 headphones are here — but there's a catch

Boasting high-quality sound, noise-canceling features, a comfortable fit, and up to 15 hours of battery life with the help of the charging case, the Sony WF-C700N earbuds will keep you plenty busy with your favorite music, audiobooks, podcasts, and more for hours. They're a great fit for any long adventures you've got planned. And the noise-canceling will help keep you fully immersed in what you're listening to without any outside noises interrupting.

Now is as good a time as any to treat yourself to an earbud upgrade. Don't miss out on the Sony WF-C700N earbuds back at their lowest-ever price at Amazon.

If you're on the lookout for headphones instead, there are plenty of deals worth checking out. Over at Amazon, you can score some very nice discounts right now on Sony's ULT WEAR headphones and the Sonos Ace headphones.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $899.99 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

SAVE $150: As of May 30, the iRobot Roomba Q0120 is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a 60% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Q0120 $99.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $150 Get Deal

If you've been shopping around for a robot vacuum for a while, the name Roomba won't be unfamiliar. It's one of the top brands going, with vacuums for all price ranges. And if you're looking for something affordable and effective, you can't go wrong with an iRobot Roomba Q0120. And as of May 30, it is currently on sale for $99.99, saving you $150.

Despite being a lower price than many you'll have seen elsewhere, this doesn't mean a lack of quality; you're still getting a top-of-the-range vacuuming experience. This model has a three-stage cleaning system that delivers customizable suction for carpets and hard floors. It comes with smart navigation that vacuums in neat rows, dodges furniture, and steers clear of stairs or any other obstacles in your house. And if you have any hard-to-reach corners and edges, the Edge-Sweeping Brush won't struggle, so don't worry about any dust or dirt build-up.

Everything is controlled from the iRobot Home App, where you can do things like schedule cleans while you're away from home, check to see where it has cleaned, and set it to charge. And with up to 120 minutes of cleaning on one charge, if it doesn't manage your whole house, it'll return itself to the charging station to reboot.

Don't miss out, head to Amazon for this deal.

SAVE $41.99: As of May 30, the Sony ULT Field 1 portable speaker is on sale at Amazon for $88. This is 32% off its list price of $129.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Field 1 $88 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $41.99 Get Deal

Portable speaker deals have been plentiful lately, which is good news if you've been looking to pick one up to enjoy in the warmer weather. One of our favorite portable speakers, the Sony ULT Field 1, has even been discounted at Amazon. What's even better is it's still at its lowest-ever price there.

The Sony ULT Field 1 is currently 32% off at Amazon, that's dropped its price from $129.99 to $88. Again, this marks a return to its lowest-ever price at the retailer, so if it's caught your eye, now is a great time to pick it up. It's currently listed as a limited-time deal as well, so act fast to pick it up before the discount disappears.

SEE ALSO: The JBL Xtreme 4 is still at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

We consider this powerful little speaker to be the best pick for bass lovers in our roundup of the best Bluetooth speakers, with Mashable's Bethany Allard saying, "Sony's entire ULT line was created for anyone who considers impressive bass a crucial part of their listening experience, and the Sony ULT Field 1 is no exception." It boasts up to 12 hours of battery life and is even waterproof, so it can handle a variety of outdoor adventures to the beach, pool, and more.

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal on the Sony ULT Field 1 at Amazon.

Looking for more portable speaker deals? The Beats Pill and JBL Clip 5 are great picks, also discounted at Amazon right now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $899.99 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

SAVE $30: As of May 30, the Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $99 at Amazon. That's a 23% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil Pro $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30 Get Deal

The Apple Pencil Pro, the latest in Apple's range of stylus pens, is back on sale at Amazon, and this time it's under $100. As of May 30, you'll find this stylus on sale for $99.

The Apple Pencil Pro features an impressive list of upgrades and new features that previous styluses don't offer. These more advanced controls include gestures and haptics. For example, by just rotating the pencil, you can change the brush or pen tool settings mid-drawing. The squeeze interaction is also new and allows users to change modes or activate tools simply by squeezing the pencil.

The haptic feedback mimics the feeling of writing or drawing on real paper, delivering subtle vibrations to match the activity being performed on the iPad.

Similar to the Apple Pencil 2, the Pro can be charged wirelessly by magnetically attaching it to the side of compatible iPads. According to Apple, the Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), iPad Air 11-inch (M2 and M3), iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and M3), iPad Air 13-inch (M2), iPad Air 11-inch (M2) and iPad mini (A17 Pro).

It's compatible with the Find My locator, too. So if you misplace it, just use the app to track its location.

Find this deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $100: As of May 30, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is on sale at Amazon for $349.99. This is 22% off its list price of $449.99 and marks a return to its lowest-ever price, according to camelcamelcamel.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 265 $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100 Get Deal

There have been quite a few great Garmin deals floating around recently, which is good news if you've been on the lookout for a new smartwatch. One of our favorites at the moment is the Garmin Forerunner 265, which is still at its lowest-ever price at Amazon even after Memorial Day sales.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is currently marked down to $349.99, a 22% discount from its list price of $449.99. Again, this price marks a return to its lowest-ever price, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. If it's been on your radar, there's no better time than now to pick it up and save some cash in the process.

SEE ALSO: The Garmin Venu 3S has never been priced lower than this

This smartwatch has all of the features to make it a worthy purchase, too. This is especially true if you're a runner. If you're planning for a race, it offers up personalized suggested workouts each day to help you out. It also has a morning report that provides you with a breakdown of your sleep, recovery and training outlook, and a training readiness score that can help you plan out your workout for the day.

On top of that, it boasts a bright AMOLED touchscreen display and up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode to keep you more focused on your fitness rather than the watch's battery.

If you've been looking for a smartwatch upgrade, this deal on the Garmin Forerunner 265 is one you don't want to miss.

As mentioned before, there are quite a few more Garmin deals worth a look right now, too. The Garmin Forerunner 955 is also discounted at Amazon, as is the stylish Garmin Lily 2.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.95)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $899.99 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

SAVE $100: As of May 30, the Amazon Fire Max 11 is on sale for $139.99 at Amazon. That's a 42% savings off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 $139.99 at Amazon
$239.99 Save $100 Get Deal

If a tablet upgrade is on your horizon, this latest deal on a refurbished Amazon Fire Max 11 is one to check out. As of May 30, this tablet has been reduced by $100, now only $139.99. This is the lowest it has been priced at Amazon, according to camelcamelcamel. This deal is specific to the 128GB device without lockscreen ads.

And don't be put off by the refurbished stamp; this tablet's quality is described as "like new." Amazon states it "is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device."

This tablet is one of the most advanced in the range, and is perfect for both work and play. The screen boasts an impressive 2000x1200 resolution and a bright display with over 2.4 million pixels. It's also certified for low blue light, so it's easy on the eyes, especially if you're looking at the screen for long periods of time.

You can add optional accessories to this tablet so you can adapt it to what you need. Accessories like a keyboard case and stylus pen can be purchased separately, and you can even download Microsoft 365 for all your work or study needs.

And we can't not mention the battery life, promising to last up to 14 hours, so it's perfect for on-the-go streaming or browsing. And with storage expandable to 1TB, it’s got plenty of room for all your favorite apps, movies, and documents.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

Trump, who's always loved dishing out nicknames, now has one of his own.

"They're calling him TACO, which is an acronym for 'Trump Always Chickens Out'," explains Jimmy Kimmel in the clip above from his Thursday monologue. "And you're not going to believe this, but he doesn't like the nickname at all."

Unsurprisingly, Kimmel has little sympathy for the president.

"How does it feel to be on the other end of the nickname game? Not great, does it? The only thing that would make it worse is if somebody changed the lyrics to a song by his beloved Village People to drive it home."

Cue a version of the band's hit "Macho Man" with the lyrics changed to – you guessed it – "TACO Man".

“These products are really explicitly being designed to take away people’s jobs.”

Mashable Say More is a video podcast where Mashable staffers interview your favorite actors, writers, directors, and more for long-form interviews that allow us to dig into their careers, latest projects, and internet obsessions. This week, Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko sat down in Mashable's New York City studio with Danny and Michael Philippou, the filmmaking brothers behind the new A24 horror movie Bring Her Back.

Two-time Academy Award–nominee Sally Hawkins stars as foster mom Laura. On the surface, she's all smiles and sunshine. But when nearly 18-year-old Andy (Billy Barratt) and his sister, Piper (Sora Wong), move into Laura's remote home, Andy begins to notice something suspicious in his new guardian's behavior. A lot of it revolves around how she treats her other foster child, Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips).

If the Philippou's feature film debut, Talk to Me, had you spooked, Bring Her Back will have you screaming. In my review of the film, I raved, "While I gasped and screamed at the Philippous' latest, I also held my breath and cried. While they have warned critics and audiences their new film is 'bleak,' I found it beautiful. Alongside a story of psychological torment, physical torture, and murder, Bring Her Back also offers a story of love beyond death, and how that can be a double-edged sword."

Mashable spoke with the brothers about their influences, their origins making online videos, what happened with their proposed Street Fighter movie, and what they'd like to tackle next — including Talk to Me 2.

For more on the Philippous and their love of horror, check out Senior Creative Producer Mark Stetson's video, in which he played Choose Your Squad, themed to Talk to Me.

Mashable Say More will have new episodes every Friday, viewable on Mashable and YouTube. You can subscribe to our podcast feed anywhere you download podcasts.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, May 30, 2025:

AcrossBrowser windows

• The answer is Tabs.

Whom you often long to speak to during a customer service call

• The answer is Human.

2024 film that won Best Picture

• The answer is Anora.

Weightless state experienced by astronauts, for short

• The answer is ZeroG.

Garden in Genesis

• The answer is Eden.

DownAdjusted, as a radio dial

• The answer is Tuned.

Love, in Rome

• The answer is Amore.

British nobility rank below earl and viscount

• The answer is Baron.

Grab a hold of

• The answer is Snag.

Mental fog

• The answer is Haze.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

The unemployment rate for recent college graduates has jumped as companies try to replace entry-level workers with artificial intelligence.

The question is how to fix Google’s monopoly. Is an order to force it to share data the solution?

The Trump administration has expanded Palantir’s work with the government, spreading the company’s technology — which could easily merge data on Americans — throughout agencies.

As Mr. Musk entered President Trump’s orbit, his private life grew increasingly tumultuous and his drug use was more intense than previously known.

A NASA rover ambling over the red desert planet for the past four years has been recording audio of Mars. 

In this alien world 156 million miles away in space, even the everyday whispers of wind and mechanical parts are exotic to human ears. Scientists say that's because the Martian atmosphere is about 1 percent as dense as Earth's, which alters the volume, speed, and characteristics of sound.

How to describe what Perseverance has heard at Jezero crater? 

Well, it doesn't not sound like the eerie ambient noise of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, but you can listen for yourself.

Like an aspiring DJ or singer-songwriter, Perseverance has a Soundcloud account, where people can experience the latest Martian tracks. NASA shared this week some of the strange audio the rover has captured. You can find a sampling further down in this story. 

SEE ALSO: A NASA Mars rover looked up at a moody sky. What it saw wasn't a star. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech illustration

When the rover touched down on Mars in 2021, it didn’t just bring cameras, drills, and tubes for rock samples. It also carried two microphones — nothing special, just a couple of off-the-shelf devices anyone could buy online. The only modification NASA made was to attach little grids at the end of the mics to protect them from Martian dust. 

One of the microphones, mounted on the rover’s head, is known as the SuperCam and has recorded most of the audio; another is attached to the body. What they’ve picked up is changing the way scientists think about the Red Planet. 

This is the first time humanity has ever been able to listen to the din of another world. 

"We've all seen these beautiful images that we get from Mars," said Nina Lanza, a Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist, in a NASA video, "but having sound to be able to add to those images, it makes me feel like I'm almost right there on the surface."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

NASA shared Martian audio in the above post on X.

Researchers published the first study of acoustics on Mars in the journal Nature, based on Perseverance's recordings, in 2022. Apparently, the Red Planet is a much quieter place than originally thought, and not just because it's unpopulated. 

It’s so silent, in fact, there was a time the rover team believed the mics had stopped working. But Perseverance just wasn't getting much material from its surroundings. That's largely due to Mars' low-atmospheric pressure, though the pressure can vary with the seasons.

The team studying these sounds found that Mars' thin air, composed mostly of carbon dioxide, makes sound waves behave differently. On Earth, sound travels at roughly 767 mph. On Mars, deeper pitches move at about 537 mph, with higher ones traveling a bit faster, at 559 mph. 

The thin atmosphere also causes sound to drop off quickly. A sound that could be heard from 200 feet away on Earth falls silent after 30 feet on Mars. Higher-pitched tones have an even shorter range. 

The microphones mounted to Perseverance are off-the-shelf devices anyone could buy off the internet. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

"Sounds on Earth have very rich harmonics. You can hear multiple frequencies. It gets a really nice depth to the sound," said Justin Maki, a NASA scientist, in a video. "On Mars, the atmosphere attenuates a lot of those higher frequencies. So you tend to hear the lower frequencies, and it's a much more isolated sound, a little more muted than the sounds we hear on Earth."

With this data, scientists have learned that some of their earlier models for how they thought sound should move on Mars missed the mark. 

"The Martian atmosphere can propagate sound a lot further than we thought it could," Lanza said.

Translation: The Red Planet can literally carry a tune.